By Bizna Brand Analyst
Your net worth can tell you many things, but it is simply a way to gauge your own financial success.
Many have calculated their net worth and come to the conclusion that it is in need of a little spit-shine, yet improving it can seem very difficult. However, it only requires some guidance and a little willpower. And your net worth will improve over time. I am not talking jumping from thousands to billions. I am talking 500,000 to 800,000 to 1.2 million and so on. That’s how it goes
Pay Off Your Debt
Money you owe is money that could be used to grow your net worth. Pay off all your debt as soon as you are able, but be aware of penalties that can be applied for early payment (like with mortgages). Identify high-interest debt and target that first, paying off lesser debt along the way.
Consolidating your debt by taking out a loan at a lower rate to pay down high-yield debt is a tried and true strategy. The bottom line here is to know what you owe and have a plan for paying it back. Make extra payments where possible and work to reduce your overall debt burden.
Cut Expenses By Realizing Expenses
Nobody likes to hear that they spend too much and need to cut back. We all know that eating out at restaurants or buying the latest gadgets eventually catches up with us, but what we don’t realize is how quickly smaller expenses can add up.
Make a habit of noting your expenses everyday for a week and you will be shocked by how much of your paycheck is trickling away. The intent is not to stop eating out, drinking or quitting hobbies entirely, but instead to become aware of your spending habits and identify areas where you can make adjustments; a little goes a long way.
Keep Money You Have Saved Where It Will Grow
You probably already have a savings account, but are you using it? Your normal account should be lean enough for your regular spending and everything else should be in interest-bearing accounts. Even better, invest what you can.
If your savings are in a coffee tin above the refrigerator, you are not making your money work for you and are undermining your hard work. As a side note, resist the urge to immediately spend any windfalls you may receive; invest it to ensure that you will continue to reap the benefits well into the future.
Buy a car you will drive for a long time
It can be practically guaranteed that a vehicle purchased today will be worth much less in one year’s time. Couple this depreciation with maintenance costs and insurance premiums and you have a recipe for the true financial drags of owning a car.
Every new car you buy ultimately decreases your net worth. You can reduce the negative financial effects of owning an automobile by purchasing only the vehicle (or vehicles) you need, with an eye to driving it until it needs to be replaced.
Talk to a Professional
This is the most important step and yet the most overlooked. People don’t want to pay to consult an accountant or financial advisor often because they are embarrassed about the state of their finances.
With that said, talking to a professional can get you the latest information on how to utilize tax breaks or assist you in your budgeting. Never be ashamed to ask for help and use the resources that are available.
The Bottom Line
Increasing your net worth is not something that will happen overnight. It requires careful planning and the desire to see your plan succeed. With a little foresight and determination, you can improve your financial outlook and provide yourself with a financially secure present and promising future
